Candidate Jack Green
Name: Jack Green
Age: 62
Occupation: Realtor and retired member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Number of years of local residency: Fort Myers Beach property owner since 1991, full-time resident since 2005.
Previous government positions held (elected or appointed) and years held: Member of Anchorage Advisory Committee and the Fort Myers Beach Library Board.
What makes you a candidate worthy of a resident’s vote?
“My involvement in this community spans two decades. I’ve served as an Advisory Committee member, principal planner, public works director and town manager. I’m a Little League Board member and I’ve coached the girls’ softball team. I currently hold seat 3 on the Fort Myers Beach Library Board (until March 1) and I’m a member of the Melvin Cowart American Legion Post 274. My pre-Fort Myers Beach experience has served me well and will continue to do so. I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2005 at the rank of commander and I’m proud to say I came up ‘through the hawse pipe’ – meaning I received my commission after starting out as an enlisted sailor. I have over 30 years of service. My planner experience was gained from my five years as community development director for my hometown of Waterbury, Conn. I have significant practical experience in many of the issues facing our town. I have have years of hands-on experience with the town’s comprehensive plan, land development codes and infrastructure. I possess the experience, leadership skills and the passion to make a difference. The diversity of my life and work experiences have taught me that true leaders are always ethical, honest, and forthright. These are qualities ingrained in my character.”
Name and expound upon three topics you feel are areas of need/focus for Fort Myers Beach:
“Development: Development pressure over the next few years will define our town. Redevelopment is necessary; however, we must ensure that development is in alignment with our land development codes and comprehensive plan. Additionally, we must be mindful of the effect development on San Carlos Island will have on us and vice versa. We must think regionally, and act locally.”
“Infrastructure: We are making great strides in upgrading our potable water system and we must continue. The county has embarked on a multi-year plan to refurbish Estero Boulevard, concurrently with upgrades to the sewer system as required, and stormwater management measures. Capital improvements are necessary to move and treat the stormwater from Estero Boulevard and our side streets to the bay. The improvements must be cost effective and borne fairly. We must employ the best management practices to ensure the stormwater we send to the bay is clean and will do no harm.”
“Environmental protection: Intense development, stormwater management, beach management, and Lake Okeechobee water releases are just some of the issues that affect our natural environment. With the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve behind us and our sugar-sand beach and the Gulf of Mexico in front, our slice of paradise needs our best protection efforts. Again, we must think regionally and act locally.”